Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Apr 29: Jammu and Kashmir, BJP, spokesperson, Balbir Ram Rattan, while reacting to the statement of National Conference (NC), vice president, Omar Abdullah that “tourism can’t be linked with normalcy”, said that it is totally wrong assertion by the former Chief Minister. He said that terming the present situation in Kashmir by the NC leader as artificial normalcy is also beyond ground realities.
Balbir said that for years together during militancy in Kashmir, the tourism industry in the Valley had almost come to halt but in last few years the situation has improved a lot. The normalcy has returned to great extent and the security related atmosphere has made people realise that one can now visit Kashmir fearlessly.
Balbir said that there are no bandh calls now and stone pelting incidents controlled, markets remain open for long, there is heavy rush of tourists. This all indicates that the situation is far better and more normal as compared to earlier years.
Balbir said that the reports that a record 3.5 lakh tourists visited Tulip Garden in Kashmir this year also indicate the rise in flow of tourists to the Valley, which itself speaks that people are convinced that there is normalcy and one can visit Kashmir without any fear or hesitation.
Balbir said that such a large number of tourists visiting the early months of this year is a good sign and the political leaders should not make statements which may affect the flow of tourists and hit the local economy.
The spokesperson advised the NC leader not to talk of everything from the political angle and come forward to accept that the situation in Kashmir is conducive for the tourists to visit. He should contribute in making this year as a ‘tourist year’ for the people of Valley whose business and livelihood is directly linked with the visit of tourists.
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